Historic Rolling Stone HQ in San Francisco’s SoMa Seeks New Tenants Amid AI Boom

Former Rolling Stone Building in San Francisco’s AI Hub Seeks Office Tenants

The historic building at 625 Third St., once home to Rolling Stone magazine, now offers office space in San Francisco’s busy SoMa district. Originally constructed in 1909 as a warehouse for the Transcontinental Freight Co., the four-story red-brick structure blends historic charm with modern amenities.

Currently, video game company Ubisoft occupies nearly half of the building, while the first and fourth floors are available for lease. The renovated space features high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and structural timbers that highlight its creative past. Additional amenities include a gym, cafe, and a rooftop deck with views of the city. Leasing is managed by Transwestern.

From Rock and Roll Roots to Tech Hub

Rolling Stone magazine operated from this building during the 1970s. The publication played a significant role in chronicling music and political movements of the time, reflecting the spirit of San Francisco’s counterculture. The magazine’s move to New York in the late 1970s marked a shift, but its early San Francisco home remains a piece of cultural history.

SoMa, once known for its affordable warehouses, evolved into a tech center by the 1990s. The building’s 1995 renovation coincided with the dot-com boom, attracting startups and tech firms. Ubisoft established its San Francisco offices here in 2004, signaling the area’s growing appeal for creative and technology companies.

AI Boom Drives SoMa’s Resurgence

After a slowdown caused by the pandemic, SoMa is experiencing renewed demand, largely fueled by artificial intelligence startups. Companies like Harvey AI and Brex have recently leased large office spaces nearby, underscoring the neighborhood’s transformation into a thriving AI ecosystem.

According to industry analysts, the AI sector’s expansion could significantly reduce San Francisco’s office vacancy rate, which currently stands at about 23%. If this growth continues, it may restore the city’s commercial real estate market to levels last seen before 2019.

What This Means for Real Estate and Construction Professionals

• Opportunity for Leasing: The availability of office space in a historic yet modernized building within an AI and tech hotspot offers promising opportunities for leasing and investment.
• Adaptive Reuse Potential: The building exemplifies how older industrial properties can be successfully repurposed for contemporary office use, blending character with functionality.
• Market Dynamics: The shift from traditional media to technology and AI tenants reflects broader trends impacting office demand and tenant profiles in urban centers.

For those involved in office space development or leasing, keeping an eye on SoMa’s evolving market could inform strategic decisions. The area’s blend of historic structures and tech-driven growth presents unique challenges and opportunities in design, construction, and property management.

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